Punjab Vigilance Bureau Arrests PSPCL Junior Engineer for Accepting Rs 10,000 Bribe
Gurdaspur, February 13, 2025 — The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has successfully apprehended Jatinder Singh, a Junior Engineer (JE) working for the Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL), in Gurdaspur district. The arrest occurred after Singh was caught red-handed accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000. This action is part of the Punjab government’s ongoing campaign to root out corruption across various sectors, including the public utility services.
The arrest highlights the increasing efforts by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau to expose and take action against bribery and unethical practices, with this particular case focusing on corruption in the electricity sector.
Bribery Demand for Electricity Connection
The arrest follows a complaint lodged by Kashmir Singh, a resident of Mohalla Tarkhanwali, Qadian, who reported that Jatinder Singh had demanded a bribe in exchange for issuing a temporary domestic electricity connection for his daughter-in-law’s under-construction house. According to the complainant, Singh initially asked for Rs 10,000, which he claimed was necessary for processing the temporary electricity connection application.
The complainant approached the Vigilance Bureau, and after an initial inquiry, the Bureau set up a trap to catch the accused in the act. The investigation team conducted the operation in the presence of two official witnesses, and during the operation, Jatinder Singh was arrested while receiving the bribe of Rs 10,000 from the complainant.
Vigilance Bureau’s Swift Action
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau took prompt action once the complaint was received. The team’s ability to catch Jatinder Singh red-handed is a testament to the Bureau’s commitment to combating corruption within the public sector. The successful operation also emphasizes the Bureau’s proactive approach to tackling issues like bribery, which are often hidden from the public eye but can severely impact the efficiency of essential services like electricity supply.
The arrest also underscores the vigilance of citizens who, like Kashmir Singh, are encouraged to report any instances of corruption they witness or experience. The Bureau’s ongoing anti-corruption drive is aimed at creating a transparent and accountable public sector.
Case Filed Under Prevention of Corruption Act
Following the arrest, the Vigilance Bureau filed a case against Jatinder Singh under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The accused has been transferred to the VB Police Station in Range Amritsar where further investigation is underway.
The accused, who was caught in the act of accepting the bribe, will be produced in a competent court tomorrow. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover any further illicit activities and ensure that such corrupt practices are swiftly dealt with.
Punjab’s Commitment to Eradicating Corruption
This arrest is part of the larger anti-corruption initiative led by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau, which has been working tirelessly to expose and curb bribery and corrupt activities across the state. In the past few years, the Bureau has made several high-profile arrests in various sectors, including the police, healthcare, and education sectors.
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau continues to encourage citizens to come forward and report instances of corruption, ensuring that such practices are rooted out and that public institutions operate with integrity. The government’s strong stance against corruption is designed to foster transparency and trust among the people of Punjab, particularly when it comes to accessing essential public services.
Impact on Public Services
Corruption in public service departments, such as the PSPCL, can undermine the delivery of essential services to the public. A bribe for something as fundamental as an electricity connection highlights the barriers that citizens often face, where the quality of service is compromised by unethical demands from public officials. This situation is not only a financial burden for the complainants but also erodes trust in the institutions responsible for providing these services.
As Punjab continues to battle corruption, the Vigilance Bureau’s proactive measures aim to restore the public’s faith in government services. The arrest of Jatinder Singh serves as a reminder that no individual, regardless of their position, is beyond the reach of the law.
Conclusion: Moving Forward in the Fight Against Corruption
The arrest of Jatinder Singh, the Junior Engineer at PSPCL, is a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to eradicate corruption in Punjab. With the Punjab Vigilance Bureau’s swift response and commitment to transparency, this case is another example of the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward corrupt practices.
As investigations continue, the Bureau is poised to uncover any further wrongdoing and ensure that those who engage in corrupt practices face the full force of the law. Citizens are urged to stay vigilant and report any such instances, helping to maintain the momentum of the state’s anti-corruption drive.